Jewish Community Center celebrated 5th night of Hanukkah with people of all faiths

VESTAL (WBNG) — People of all faiths gathered at the Jewish Community Center to celebrate the fifth night of Hanukkah.

The children and teenagers of the community lit up the evening with a torch walk.

A ceremony with song and prayer followed, speaking of the importance of fighting for liberty and human dignity.

The message was exemplified in the Jewish Community Center’s yearly tradition of having members from faiths and cultures outside of Judaism come to light the menorah.

Mother Elizabeth Ewing, Rector from Christ Episcopal Church found the gesture very moving.

“I think it’s deeply meaningful,” she says. “I think that uh all the faiths can speak very strongly to the world today to bring us together more in unity and living out love and compassion which is central to all of our faith communities.”

Once the fifth torch was lit, a reception for the whole community took place inside.